Overview of Wideband CDMA

Abstract

The need for wired-line quality voice and high speed data up to 2Mb/s is driving the international community to a third generation standard based on Wideband-CDMA (WCDMA), known as FPLMTS. FPLMTS is earmarked for the year 2000. In addition, the need for privacy and mobile fax or Internet hookups, as well as wired line voice quality, is driving cordless cellular telephones to third generation technology. Another application for W-CDMA technology is the wireless local loop (“WLL”). The WLL permits a long distance carrier to bypass the local service provider and thereby reduce consumer costs while increasing profits. However, for this to be a successful venture it is required that the wireless technology yield the same quality as the wired technology. None of the first or second generation technologies can meet that objective. Another application of WLL is providing wireless telecommunication service to customers throughout the world who, today, do not have such wired service. However, even in this case of “catchup,” the local telephone service providers demand the highest quality. The demand for high quality can be met today only through the use of third generation Wideband-CDMA systems. These and number of other applications of Wideband CDMA will be reviewed in the paper.